Canadian minister of Transport talks safety while marking National Railway Day

Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt marked November 7 National Railway Day, which commemorates the day the last spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway at Craigellachie, British Columbia in 1885, by placing an emphasis on industry safety.

Canada has relied on railways for the movement of goods and passengers for years and it is no different today, says Transport Cananda and points out that new economic opportunities still require rail to link Canadian goods to waiting markets and these opportunities depend on a safe and dependable rail system.

"Our government understands the continued importance of Canada's rail system," said Minister Raitt. "That's why we are taking strong actions to ensure its safety and security and why we are working with stakeholders in the transportation sector to make Canada's rail system a model of world class safety."

Minister Raitt pointed out that following the tragic accident in Lac-Mégantic, Transport Canada took immediate action by issuing an emergency directive to railway companies under the Railway Safety Act, 1985; by issuing a Ministerial Order obligating railway companies to develop rules to comply with the emergency directive requirements permanently and by issuing a protective direction on the classification of dangerous goods under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992.

Minister Raitt continues to meet with stakeholders to discuss ways to further strengthen railway safety standards.